The annual wildlife baby shower is underway and it is entirely virtual this year! This is the perfect time to make a donation and have a tangible impact on the care these babies receive inside the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
Check below to see all the ways you can support the injured and orphaned baby animals in our care - whether it's purchasing a needed item from our Amazon Wish List, making a donation on our website, or even starting your own Facebook Fundraiser.
The 21-acre Nature Center features a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts curated to showcase Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem. The experience includes the newly renovated Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center with the new John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, which features an invasive species and climate change galleries.
The Nature Center is listed as site #69 on the Great Florida Birding Trail and also boasts electric boat tours featuring live flora and fauna along the Gordon River; docent-led visitor programs on topics such as reptiles, birds of prey, oceans, and wildlife injury prevention; and a wildlife exhibit.
NATURE CENTER HOURS
Tuesday - Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission
Adults
Children (3-12)
See new exhibits and revisit your favorites!
Between the classic Touch Tank and Little Explorer Play Zone to the new Augmented Reality and Science on a Sphere exhibits, the Dalton Discovery Center has something for everyone.
Programs funded in part by:
Additional Programs at the Nature Center
Daily Talks
Our Education Team will lead two daily talks on the deck here at the Nature Center! Join us to learn about the Southwest Florida environment and the wildlife in our area.
Daily Talks
11:15 a.m. & 1:15 p.m.
Little Explorers Program Schedule
The Little Explorer Play Zone is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day the Nature Center is open. We also have special programs available on select days. The specific dates are listed below. Class times start at 10 a.m. every Thursday.
Best for kids 18-months to 5-years-old
Bring your little ones to our Little Explorer Play Zone to participate in multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts. You will have the opportunity to learn about topics that relate to our mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future. Little Explorers will also get to meet ambassador animals and explore the entire Conservancy campus!
JUNE
June 1st: Surprise!
TBD
June 8th: Fussy Flamingo
Hear about a young flamingo who doesn’t want to eat shrimp and discovers a variety of fruit which change the color of her feathers. Explorers will discover what a flamingo should eat and take home a fun and colorful craft!
June 15th: Henry the Manatee
Come along as we learn all about Florida’s state marine mammal—the Manatee! Help us discover what a manatee eats and where they live. After the story, stick around for a fun activity and craft!
June 22nd: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Caterpillars go through a special transformation called metamorphosis. They have to eat a lot to go through this change. Come learn what this very hungry caterpillar eats before turning into a beautiful butterfly.
June 29th: Bugs Bugs Bugs
Bees and butterflies are both flying insects, but they each have their own unique characteristics. Did you know bees have a special way of communicating with each other using dance? Or that almost all butterflies have symmetrical patterns on their wings? Come learn the science of these crazy critters with a healthy dose of music, dancing and art.
